Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Cartoonists, illustrators and writers from across the Pacific Northwest will set aside their pens, paper, and pixels to convene for one glorious evening as Cartoonists Northwest (CNW) hosts their 18th Annual Toonie™ Award Banquet. The annual rite takes place on Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Ivar's Salmon House restaurant on Lake Union.

The event opens with a social hour and no-host bar at 6 PM. Dinner is at 7 PM, followed by the awards ceremony for categories such as illustration, best writer, web comics, syndicated comics, and more. Of special note will be the announcement of the club’s highest honor, the Golden Toonie™ award for the 2008 Cartoonist of the Year.

Whether cartoonist, fan or friend, all are invited to come share the fun! Tickets: $50 for Salmon, $45 for Chicken, $40 for Vegetarian/Pasta. $5 off each if two dinners ordered. Reservations required by March 1, 2009. For reservations or information, email CartoonistsNW@aol.com or call the Toonie™ Hotline at 206.369.2123 and Maureen will be happy to help you.

About Cartoonists Northwest: Cartoonists Northwest is an association of professional and amateur cartoonists who meet monthly to network, collaborate, and promote community among local artists. Established in 1981, CNW is one of Seattle’s longest-standing organizations and boasts membership of such artists as: Lynn Johnston (“For Better or For Worse”), David Horsey (Seattle PI), John Lustig (Disney and “Last Kiss”), Brian Basset (“Adam @ Home” and “Red and Rover”), Donna Barr (“The Desert Peach” and “Stinz”) and many more.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Mark Campos is a prolific Seattle-area cartoonist and writer whose work hasappeared in anthologies such as Hyena, Gay Comix, and the recentReal Magicalism and TYPHON. His solo work includes the two-issuePlaces That Are Gone series, and several issues of Exapno Mapcase.His work with the Finecomix group was published in the criticallyacclaimed Moxie, My Sweet. His reviews have appeared in The ComicsJournal, Comics F/X, Poopsheet, and Zine World.

Mark is a member of Finecomix, the Seattle-based collective of cartoonists who collaborate to help push comics as an artform. In Moxie, My Sweet, all stories were written by him and drawn by the rest of the group. Mark's stories explore life, language, and literature; he has his own style, but can also riff on grooves laid down by such writers as Walt Kelly, J.R.R. Tolkein, and Philip K. Dick. Illustrators include David Lasky, Stefan Gruber, Tatiana Gill, Dalton Webb, and more.

Mark has worked as an artist on indy hits like Naughty Bits. Mark is also a member of “Friends of the Nib”. Founded by visionary cartoonist Jim Woodring and Bob Rini, “Friends of the Nib” is a modern cartoonist salon. Cartoonists participating include: Jim Woodring, Bob Rini, Kinoko, Dalton Webb, Mark Campos, Matt Tamaru, Sara Spink, Angela Stork, Max Clotfelter, Scott Faulkner, and David Lasky.

It has been said that, in his spare time, Mark avoids responsibility. Mark reports that he is married to Kaija, and they have one cat. With family life in addition to his notable drawing and writing output, it’s hard to imagine Mark having very much spare time, so it’s fortunate that he will spend some of it addressing Cartoonists Northwest! Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of comic-dom’s most creative talents! Come to the February meeting, my sweet!

ALSO ON THE AGENDA: • Cartoonists review each others’ work and vote for ‘Best of the Northwest’. Bring your art and enter the friendly competition!• Other news and stuff, guaranteed to be of a cartoonishly edifying nature!

Use main entrance at corner of Alaskan Way and Vine St. Street parking is free beginning at 6 p.m. (Psst! Best bets are meters along Elliott Ave. There is also a paid parking garage on Elliott two blocks south of Vine.)Contact: cartoonistNW@gmail.com